I need to coordinate an meeting with some of the group leader and leaders
of
other satellite groups. I have been in touch with NOAA's upper echelon to
discuss extending the APT service on future satellites. The replacement
that
was purposed on future missions is much to expensive and puts the service
out of
reach of most users. Also Certain countries rely on this service as well as
fishermen and with the failure of the LRPT on Metop the mission has been
canceled.

Douglas,

I realise this is not the correct group to discuss this but I hope I might
comment before we move this important matter to a more suitable location.

Steven,

I must say I would be rather surprised if NOAA delayed the already many
years late launch of their next generation of polar orbiters - NPOESS to fit
APT capability.
Theses satellites will carry LRD in the 1.69 GHz band and HRD in the 7 - 8
GHz band.